Watch as Emirates Palace and Expo City mark holiday season with Christmas tree lightings

Families soaked in the festive atmosphere and posed for pictures with Santa Claus

The Christmas tree at Emirates Palace, Abu Dhabi. Khushnum Bhandari / The National

Santa Claus and his helpers by the Christmas tree at Emirates Palace. Khushnum Bhandari / The National

Santa Claus greets children at Emirates Palace. Khushnum Bhandari / The National

Families eagerly await the lighting of the Christmas tree. Khushnum Bhandari / The National

Musicians play Christmas songs. Khushnum Bhandari / The National

People take photos by the tree. Khushnum Bhandari / The National

Families take photos at Emirates Palace. Khushnum Bhandari / The National

Visitors snap photos at the Christmas photo booth. Khushnum Bhandari / The National

The Christmas display at Emirates Palace. Khushnum Bhandari / The National

Santa Claus greets children during the event. Khushnum Bhandari / The National

People gather for the Expo City Dubai Christmas tree lighting at Al Wasl Plaza, Dubai. Pawan Singh / The National

Santa appears at the tree-lighting ceremony. Pawan Singh / The National

Santa's helpers show up for the tree-lighting event. Pawan Singh / The National

Visitors flock to the Expo City Dubai Christmas event. Pawan Singh / The National

Santa and Mrs Claus attend the event at Al Wasl Plaza. Pawan Singh / The National

Santa waves to the crowds. Pawan Singh / The National

The Expo City Dubai Christmas tree-lighting event in Al Wasl Plaza. Pawan Singh / The National

Giant gingerbread men interact with visitors during the event. Pawan Singh / The National

Visitors view the giant Christmas tree. Pawan Singh / The National

Emirates Palace and Expo City kicked-off the festive season on Friday night with their tree-lighting ceremonies.

At Emirates Palace, Abu Dhabi's largest Christmas tree was decorated with frosting and baubles in gold, green, blue and bronze hues for the occasion. The event began with a visit from Santa Claus and his helpers, who welcomed families as they arrived to witness the lights being switched on.

A large crowd of revellers gathered for the occasion, and children applauded as the tree was lit in bright hues at 6pm. Later, musicians played Christmas songs and a visitors joined a group of carollers, singing Christmas classics.

Families also explored Emirates Palace’s festive Winter Village, which was punctuated with photo-opportunity sets. The hotel was decorated with festive scenes, depicting reindeer and trucks carrying Christmas trees. Meanwhile, elves served up festive treats, while Santa did the rounds, greeting children.

Friday night also marked the start of a host of activities, including Christmas Afternoon Tea, which is available at The Cake Shop for Dh245 until December 26. The shop is also offering Dh450 gift hampers, and Dh750 turkey hampers for a home-made Christmas dinner. For those who prefer to dine out and skip doing the dishes on Christmas Day, Emirates Palace will be serving brunch at the Palace Terrace, with prices starting at Dh550.

In Dubai, Expo City also lit up its own Christmas tree at the Al Wasl Plaza. Towering high, the tree was adorned with gold and silver baubles and decorative gift boxes. Santa made an appearance at the event, joined by Mrs Claus and a group of their helpers.

Visitors were in good cheer, as they took pictures and gingerbread men strolled past. Expo City’s Mobility District has been transformed into a winter wonderland until January 8, complete with chalet-style market stalls, pine trees, fun fairground games and a station where children can write letters to Santa.

Scroll through photos of Global Village's Christmas tree lighting below

The Christmas tree at Dubai's Global Village was lit on Thursday. All photos: Pawan Singh / The National

The tree stands at 21m tall

And features decorations celebrating various cultures

The tree lighting attracted a festive crowd

Naturally, Father Christmas attended celebrations

A surprise flurry of snow

Performers paraded during the lighting ceremony

The grand arrival of Santa Claus

Glittering decorations in Global Village's Winter Wonderland